Two bitter rivals. The winner goes to the playoffs, the loser stays home.

That was the situation in a WPIAL Class AA boys' soccer showdown at West Mifflin last night.

Thomas Jefferson's Dan Braun had a hat trick as the Jaguars earned a 6-1 victory.

The Jaguars (12-4-2, 10-2-2), ranked No. 9 in WPIAL Class AA by the Post-Gazette, finish second in Section 3.

"Our backs were against the wall," Thomas Jefferson coach Mike Kulish said. "We played so well up there tonight."

As a result of the loss and Elizabeth Forward's 4-0 win at Keystone Oaks, West Mifflin (11-6-1, 9-4-1) won't make the playoffs. Elizabeth Forward (15-3-1, 10-3-1) took the third and final postseason spot in the section.

The WPIAL playoffs will begin this weekend. The brackets are scheduled to be announced tomorrow.

Other top boys' games

Evan Phillips had two goals to lead host Plum to a 5-0 win against Woodland Hills (5-14, 1-11) in a Class AAA Section 3 contest that clinched a playoff berth for the Mustangs (10-3-3, 7-3-2).

Sean Fancher had two goals as visiting Waynesburg (15-5, 8-4) defeated Brownsville (3-15-1, 0-12) to clinch a playoff berth in Class AA Section 5 play.

Monessen assured itself of a playoff spot with a 5-2 win against Geibel (5-12, 4-8) in Class A Section 4. Jared Dobsch had a hat trick for the host Greyhounds (13-5, 9-3).

Idle Charleroi was the odd team out in Class A Section 4 after South Fayette (14-4, 9-3) won, 6-0, at Chartiers-Houston (0-20, 0-12). Seamus Hutchens had two goals for the Lions.

Rick Wattras' two goals led visiting Avonworth (6-9-2, 4-5-1) to a 3-1 win against Class A Section 3 rival Brentwood (4-13, 2-8) that clinched a playoff berth for the Antelopes.

Top girls' games

Hopewell is ranked No. 8 in Class AAA by the Post-Gazette -- but won't be participating in the postseason. Caroline Keefer's three goals led host Moon (14-4-1, 9-4-1) to a 4-1 win against the Vikings (13-4-1, 9-4-1) in a game that decided who earned Section 4's final playoff berth.

Oakland Catholic (13-6, 10-4) clinched third place in Class AAAA Section 3 -- and a playoff spot -- with a 5-1 win against host McKeesport (0-14, 0-15). Plum was eliminated as a result. The Eagles have won four of their past five.

PIAA golf west qualifiers

Chartiers-Houston's John Popeck had the best round of the 15 WPIAL golfers among the 22 who qualified for the PIAA boys' championships at the PIAA West regional qualifier yesterday. Popeck shot a 2-under 70 to finish third at Chestnut Ridge Golf Resort in Blairsville. Hollidaysburg's Sean Brannan and Anthony DeGol each shot 69. The boys' and girls' PIAA championships begin Monday at Heritage Hills Golf Course in York.

Nadia Luttner of Fox Chapel turned in the low score at the PIAA girls' West regional qualifier by shooting an even-par 76 at Chestnut Ridge. WPIAL champion Rachel Rohanna of Waynesburg was second. Five other WPIAL golfers were among the 11 in the field who qualified for the PIAA championships.

Football

Montour's Christian Wilson, Trinity's Andrew Sweat and Jeannette's Mike Matt have been selected to play in the first ESPNU All-American Game Jan. 5 in Orlando, Fla. The game will be televised live by ABC.